The Federal Government has filed a contempt suit against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), for allegedly flouting a court order, restraining the unions from any industrial action over the removal of subsidy on petrol.
The National Industrial Court, Abuja, presided over by Olufunke Anuwe, had on Monday, June 5, restrained the TUC and NLC from embarking on industrial action over the removal of subsidy on petrol.
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But Organised labour on Wednesday, held protests across the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), against the hardship inflicted on Nigerians by the removal of subsidy on petrol and delayed implementation of palliatives on the policy.
Challenging the action, the Federal Government on Wednesday, filed a “notice of consequences of disobedience to order of court” also titled “Form 48″, before the National Industrial Court in Abuja.
“TAKE NOTICE that unless you obey the Directions contained in the Order of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, delivered by Honourable Justice Y. Anuwe on the 5th day of June, 2023, as per the attached Enrolled Order, you will be guilty of Contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison”, the notice read.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and that of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Usifo, held a meeting with President Bola Tinubu Wednesday evening at the State House, Abuja.
They opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affect the working people and Nigerians in general.
Following the discussion with President Tinubu and their confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the Labour Movement, the Labour Leaders resolved to stop further protest.
President Tinubu gave his commitment to the Labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will start production by December 2023 after the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.